Multan: Suleman’s century and bowlers secure third consecutive win for Pakistan Greens
Pakistan Greens secured their third consecutive victory in the National Champions Cup 2026, defeating Pakistan Blues by 192 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium. This win also confirms their place in the tournament’s final, scheduled for August 18 at the same venue. The Greens’ triumph was spearheaded by an unbeaten century from Mohammad Suleman and a disciplined bowling performance.
Greens captain Shadab Khan opted to bat first, a decision that proved fruitful as the team posted a total of 302/6 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings saw contributions from Saad Baig and Farhan Yousuf, helping the Greens achieve their second consecutive total exceeding 300 runs.
Greens’ Batting Dominance
The innings began with Sameer Minhas and Omair, though Minhas departed early after scoring 17 runs. Omair, who made 33 runs off 57 balls, then formed a 29-run partnership with Saad Baig before being dismissed by Mohammad Faiq in the 15th over. This set the stage for Mohammad Suleman, who entered the crease at number four.
Suleman, who replaced Fakhar Zaman in the lineup, took control of the innings. He combined with Saad Baig for a substantial 135-run partnership for the third wicket. Baig contributed a valuable 77 runs off 73 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before being removed by Sufiyan Muqeem in the 36th over.
Following Baig’s departure, Suleman continued to build the innings, adding another rapid 90 runs with Farhan Yousuf for the fourth wicket. Yousuf played an aggressive knock, scoring 51 runs off 41 balls, which featured four fours and two sixes. This partnership helped propel the Greens from 200-3 in the 36th over to 290 by the 49th over. Suleman reached his century, finishing with an unbeaten 101 runs off 103 balls, which included eight fours and a six. This marked his second List A century.
For the Blues, Hasan Ali was the most effective bowler, taking 2-37. Other wicket-takers included Mohammad Faiq, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, and Sufyan Muqeem, each claiming one wicket.
Blues’ Struggle and Greens’ Bowling Prowess
Chasing a target of 303 runs, Pakistan Blues’ innings never gained momentum, with batters consistently losing their wickets. The chase suffered an early setback when Maaz Sadaqat was run out by Arshad Iqbal in the second over. Arshad Iqbal had come into the team in place of Naseem Shah.
Faheem Ashraf then made a significant impact, claiming three wickets within five overs. He dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for 19 runs and Mohammad Faiq for 18 runs, before returning to remove Muhammad Irfan Khan for two runs. Shadab Khan also contributed with a wicket, dismissing Tayyab Tahir for 14 runs, leaving the Blues at 58-5 in the 13th over.
Arafat Minhas offered the primary resistance for the Blues, scoring a fighting 38 runs off 40 balls, which included three fours and two sixes. He shared a 30-run partnership with Hasan Ali, but the Blues were unable to sustain a recovery. Mohammad Hasnain removed Taimur Khan and Ahmed Daniyal in the 14th over, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. Mohammad Salman Mirza added two wickets, contributing to the comprehensive victory for the Greens.
Pakistan Blues were eventually bowled out for just 110 runs in 23.5 overs. Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-14, while Mohammad Salman Mirza and Mohammad Hasnain each claimed two wickets. Mohammad Suleman was named player of the match for his century.
Tournament Implications
The Greens’ dominant performance places them firmly at the top of the standings, securing their spot in the final on August 18. The final league match of the tournament will see Pakistan Whites, currently second in the standings, face Pakistan Gold on Sunday at the same venue. The outcome of this match, along with the margin of victory, will determine which team joins the Greens in the final. Pakistan Whites currently have a net run rate of -0.002, while Pakistan Blues have a net run rate of -1.093.
The Greens’ victory by 192 runs highlights their strong all-round display in the tournament.
Source: tapmad.com
